“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” —Psalm 85:10

Truth demands justice, but mercy demands hope. When man sinned in the garden, Truth said, “They shall die,” but Mercy said, “I love them.” Oh, how would God reconcile truth and mercy for they both had a responsibility toward man?

Truth would be necessary for man to know the holiness of God, but mercy would be necessary for man to know the love of God. Where did they meet? In the person of Jesus Christ, God would provide mercy, making the vilest sinner feel hope, and He would provide truth through His spotless character. He would be the perfect balance of mercy and truth.

See Him as He ministers to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11). She is guilty, but our Lord examines her examiners until one by one they all leave. The Lord says to her, “Where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?” She answers, “No man, Lord.” Mercy says, “Neither do I condemn thee,” and Truth says, “Go, and sin no more.”

Mercy and truth are necessary as we minister to people because those without truth will never appreciate God’s mercy, and those without mercy will never feel hope that they can rise again. Mercy will make people feel loved; truth will give people dignity. Mercy comes to pick us up; truth comes to keep us up. Mercy rescues; truth protects. Without truth, life would be lawless; without mercy, life would be hopeless!

Listen to Mercy on the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Now listen to Truth on the cross: “It is finished” (paid in full). Justice for the sins of men was served when the perfect Man died in their place. It was at the cross that Mercy and Truth met together. The result was that Righteousness and Peace kissed each other. They could keep company now through Christ Jesus.

God wants us to have peace with Him and from Him, but it would not be without righteousness. Faith in Christ gives us positional righteousness and peace with God; following Christ gives us practical righteousness and the peace of God! Glory, the psalmist knew Jesus! Do you?